Kiren Rijiju Leads Indian Delegation to Bhutan for Return of Sacred Buddha Relics

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday announced his departure for the Kingdom of Bhutan to lead the “Delegation for the Return of Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha,” marking a significant cultural and spiritual exchange between the two nations. The relics, enshrined at the National Museum in New Delhi, were earlier transported to Bhutan for a special public exposition.

In a post shared on social media, Rijiju said he was “leaving for the Kingdom of Bhutan” to formally guide the process of bringing the revered relics back to India. The visit underscores the deep historical, cultural, and spiritual ties between India and Bhutan, both nations having strong Buddhist heritage and longstanding cooperation in preserving religious artefacts.

The sacred relics, which drew thousands of devotees during their display in Bhutan, were part of a curated exhibition meant to strengthen bilateral cultural relations. Their return marks the completion of a high-level cultural outreach initiative that saw contributions from both governments, heritage institutions, and Buddhist monastic bodies.